Category: Racecourses

Here at ‘Horses and Courses’ we highlight the racecourses on which racing  legends are made, whether we’re taking about legendary horses , jockeys or trainers. It’s more often than not the big occasions held at these racecourses that really put you in the history books. The Cheltenham Festival, the Royal Ascot, The Grand National and so on. This is especially true of the Grand National as, rather than various races sharing the spotlight, it’s one stand out event. If you win at the National, you’ve set yourself apart, it’s as simple as that.

The Grand National takes place annually at the Aintree racecourse, Liverpool. First run almost 180 years ago, it’s understandable why the race has captured the hearts of racing fans here in the UK as well as abroad. With prize money of £1,000,000 plus, the race draws in a who’s who of group one winners, top jockeys and the best horse trainers. Winning the race is huge.  With horses oozing quality, paired with Grand National jockeys who either knows the course like the back of their hand, or are so skilled as to outfox all others on the day, every Grand National has racing fans on the edge of their seats.

We all remember West Tip winning the National in the mid 80’s, and Mom Mome surprising all with his win at huge odds in 2009. One horse who certainly shone in terms of Grand National successes has to be punter favourite Red Rum , who won the event an unbelievable three times. Very few race goers and lovers of the sport will draw a blank when Red Rum’s name is mentioned, even if they were born well after his impressive wins in 1973, 1974 and 1977. The beauty of Red Rum’s performances is that, while he was always given a hope prior to the race, winning was never a forgone conclusion, which gave punters the opportunity to cash in again and again.

No man is an island as the saying goes, and the same applies to horses, so the focus turns again to Grand National jockeys. Red Rum wouldn’t have been able to achieve this National feat without the efforts of a world class jockey. On two of the three wins Brian Fletcher was the jockey tasked with riding Red Rum to victory. Interestingly he’d won the Grand National previously too, in 1968 as the jockey on Red Alligator at the tender age of 20. In fact, he’s the only jockey in recent times to hold the accolade of winning the event 3 times. Historically the feat was also achieved by Lester Piggott’s Grandfather, Ernie Piggott, and George Stevens.

And what of the trainers that marry this unique combination of equine ability and talented jockey. Well again there is a connection in history, because Red Rum’s trainer is tied first for the greatest number of Grand National wins as trainer with four wins, the three Red Rum wins and an impressive return to form in 2004 with Amberleigh House. Around the same time Fred Rimell also achieved 4 Grand National wins as trainer. Prior to that the only person to equal this record was George Dockeray way back in the 1800’s, so it’s a rare a event by any measure.

One of the biggest horseracing tracks in the North and South America, the San Isidro has been in existence since 1935 and covers a total area of 148 hectares. The turf track is 2,783 metres and circles the sand track that is 2,590 metres long.

The San Isidro is accessible by car, train or bus from Buenos Aires and is a mere 10 minutes away from the Jorge Newbery International Airport. Its six stands hold 100,000 seats, though the highest attendance in record is 102,600 during the 1952 Gran Premio Carlos Pelegrini. This also happens to be the most important annual event countrywide.

Other notable races that are held at the Hipódromo de San Isidro include the Internacional J. S. de Anchorena, the Alzaga Inzue and the Gran Club.

Not a fan of horseracing? Spend the day out with nature. The racecourse is surrounded by a lovely arboretum where one can spend an afternoon picnicking under the shade of the trees. One can get to relax and unwind as they take in the beauty and fragrance of the various species of plants and flowers. The fragrance that dances about the beauty of the indigenous and exotic trees is a wonderful contrast to the bustling activity of the racecourse.

The San Isidro has three halls where coat and tie events are held, both corporate and social. The 1st Floor and 3rd floor Official Tribunes each have a seating capacity of 400 but can hold up to 900 people in a cocktail event. The Tattersall has a seating capacity of 1100pax and ample parking, making it an ideal space for business conferences and corporate parties. It has a circular dais and four small rooms that can be used for private meetings. This is also the hall where Carrera products that are pure blood are auctioned, so you have the opportunity to shop around.

This racecourse was opened in 1892, and is found in Hastings Park, approximately four miles from Columbia, Canada. It is situated on a 60 hectare track of land, in a serine environment with an amazing view of the Shore Mountains and waterfront. It was originally called East Park. The racecourse is owned by the Great Canadian Gaming Corporation. In 1892, The British Columbia Jockey Club opened its first race track on one-tenth of the 60 hectare land, with the rest of the land reserved for exhibition purposes. Because of the sheer size of the area covered, this site has massive advantages and plenty of flexibility.

The most common races held in Hastings include; British Columbia Premier’s Handicap, Ballerina Stakes, the British Columbia Derby, and Lieutenant Governors Stakes. It also hosts ungraded stakes, for example, Fantasy stakes, Ascot Graduation Stakes, and British Columbia Oaks, among others. Every first Monday of August, Hastings hosts BC cup day. During this event, a series of six thoroughbred races take place. In September, The British Columbia Derby and British Columbia Oaks are run.

The Racecourse however has had its share of challenges. Due to low profits made and difficulty reaching an agreeable lease with the city, Hastings was almost shut down in 2012. The Great Canadian had to make a decision before its closure. It was agreed that the track should remain open and operational.While these problems have posed a real threat to the existence of the course, plenty of effort is being put to keep it afloat.

Recently, horse racing  events in this venue have seen a decline in attendance. New events like dog racing and movie nights have attracted young people to the racecourse. Its popularity was also initially boosted by a Mexican jockey called Mario Gutierrez who copeted in the Hastings Racecourse and won three races, the Santa Anita Derby, the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes.